A number of suburban developments in Alabama are taking cues from regional planners and making efforts to improve their livability by building sidewalks.
"Mountain Brook, which is about halfway through a 13-stage plan to build miles of sidewalks, is only one of the area cities competing for federal dollars for their projects. Vestavia Hills has spent more than $1.5 million on sidewalks, including a newly completed stretch along U.S. 31. Hoover is in the third phase of its Park Avenue sidewalks project in Bluff Park, a $641,000 project, and other cities are following closely behind."
"Most of these projects have received funds that cover 80 percent of the cost of construction from the Federal Highway Administration. About $17 million is expected to be available for transportation enhancements in 2007, according to the state Department of Transportation, and other funds are also available through different grants."
"Still, planners say sidewalks make good economic sense because they allow cities to build with higher density while still providing outdoor space."
FULL STORY: Suburbs more walkable with sidewalks
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)